"Don't Name Your Kid Phone!"

"I really love you, Mom."

Growing Pains

Teething has been rough. Very rough. Who knew the top two teeth were so much worse than the bottom teeth.

But there is an upside to this teething.

Last night, Bug woke up upset and clearly hurting. She needed her mommy to help her sleep. It has been a long time since she has needed me to help her sleep. She's been all independent as of late at night time. I've missed rocking my little baby to sleep. All of a sudden, she was a "big girl." 

But last night. She needed me.

I spent an hour rocking her and holding her and comforting her. She just nestled right into me. I could feel her relax. And I just soaked it all up. 

There is nothing more precious than this time I could share with my girl. 

Then, this morning, she just wanted more cuddles with me. A rough night leads to a nice morning for me and my girl. It's a nice cool day, and Bug and I just cuddled and watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Road Rally. Once again, she just relaxed into me. 

I want more than anything for these cuddles to last. She's growing up way too fast!

{{source}}

Minivan Mom

That moment I realized I was a minivan mom:

I was driving home one afternoon, when I looked over at the car next to me and saw a young girl (teenager or young college age) texting on her phone. Now, I have my daughter in the back seat and all I can think of is all of the bad things that could happen with someone driving and texting. So what do I do? I honk my horn at her. She glances over and I then proceed to wag my finger at her and shake my head at her and mouth the words "no ma'am." She just looked at me. Then...she put her phone down! 

Does that officially make me a mom?

Just thought I'd share a comical story for your Wednesday.

Also this:

WHOOP WHOOP!

A Haunting Question

As a new mom, one question always haunts me when something seems amiss with my little Bug. I'm sure this question haunts many other new, and even not-so-new, moms.

There are so many parenting books and articles out there that are meant to help you with situations. There are recommendations for sleep schedules and how you get your babe to sleep through the night. There are feeding schedules, the kind that tell you when you should nurse your babe and when it's okay to start feeding them solid foods. Then there are books that say what solids you should feed them, how much you should feed, how many times you should feed them, and what time you should feed them. There are books telling you how to discipline and when to discipline. Let's just say that there is a whole array of books and articles out there that are designed to help new, and not-so-new, moms out.

But do they really help?

When I first found out I was pregnant, I went straight for the pregnancy bible: What to Expect When You're Expecting. It tells you everything you need to know about pregnancy, labor, and delivery, but nothing towards how to raise your child. It was great for what it was worth.

Now we have competing parenting styles. We have babywise, ferber, helicopter, hands-off, the list goes on and on. And one after the other, they contradict each other.

So what do I choose? How do I raise my little girl? With all the options and methods and advice out there, where should I turn to? Always, I turn to the One book that holds the ultimate Truth to help me be a good mom.

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 "Love God, your God, with your whole heart; love Him with all that's in you, love Him with all you've got! Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates." The Message

* Love God and teach your children to love God. Spend your time being an example of what it means to love God, from sun-up to sun-down.

Psalm 127:3 "Don't you see that children are God's best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?" The Message

* When your children are tiring you out and you're ready to pull your hair out after a long night of teething, remember that children are a gift. I think so often we forget that our children are gifts and instead, we think of them as burdens. This is not the case! Children are gifts from the the Almighty and should be regarded as such!

Titus 2:1-6 "Your job is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine. Guide older men into lives of temperance, dignity, and wisdom, into healthy faith, love, and endurance. Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don't want anyone looking down on God's Message because of their behavior. Also, guide the young men to live disciplined lives." The Message

* Live by example. Teach your children to live purely and filled with wisdom, always seeking Truth, by living it out on a day-to-day basis.

But how do we know what example to live by? In this comes the staple Proverbs 31 woman:

Proverbs 31:10-31 "A good woman is hard to find,
    and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
    and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
    all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
    and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
    and brings back exotic surprises.
She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast
    for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
    then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
    rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
    is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
    diligent in homemaking.
She’s quick to assist anyone in need,
    reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows;
    their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
    and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
    when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
    brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
    and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
    and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
    and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
    her husband joins in with words of praise:
“Many women have done wonderful things,
    but you’ve outclassed them all!”
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
    The woman to be admired and praised
    is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
    Festoon her life with praises!" The Message

It's not easy being a good mom, or a good wife, or a good person. The term "good" is relative anyway. The way I base "good" on is laid out before me in the Bible. 

So am I a bad mom? Maybe. But I know with God's help, I will continue to strive to not only be a good mom, but the best mom I can be.

Before Baby vs After Baby

It's funny how opinions change from how you think you'll be and act before you have a baby to after you've had the baby. 

Breast Feeding: Before Baby vs After Baby

BB: I will never breast feed in public.

AB: This baby is hungry, I don't care who you are, she's eating. 

BB: I will wean baby after 1 year.

AB: I'm letting her take the lead on this one. When she's done nursing, we'll stop.

BB: I can pump and let other people feed her. No problem.

AB: I want to feed her. She's my daughter and this is how we bond. This surprised me, how attached I was to feeding her. 

BB: I'll keep myself covered when I feed the baby.

AB: You'll get over it. It's too much trouble trying to cover her. (Note: in public I do cover myself, though with her growing more and more curious it's a lot harder)

BB: Sure those underwire nursing bras that don't show anything will be perfect.

AB: Get those things away from me! They are so painful and you can't even nurse with them on! Give me all the soft cup bras please!

I'm sure there are more before and after opinions, but as of now I can't think of them. Do you have any breast feeding opinions that changed from before you had your baby to after?

source

A Letter To Mommies-to-Be

Dear Mommies-to-Be,

You are beautiful. Amidst swollen ankles, clothes that don't fit, and feeling like a mess. You are beautiful. I don't know how many times I can say it. You are beautiful. I know how being pregnant can mess with your self image. You are beautiful. Your body is changing and doing things that you had no idea it could do. You are beautiful. People may comment on how "you're glowing" and you may look at them with disdain. You are beautiful. You're body is doing amazing things, do you realize that? And you are beautiful. Do you get what I'm trying to say? You are beautiful.

Enjoy those last few weeks of those baby kicks and punches. They are wonderful. Yes, there are times that your little one just enjoys bouncing on your bladder sending you to the bathroom every five seconds and it seems to be driving you insane. Enjoy them. You will miss them when they are gone (and at least while they are in the womb, they're not leaving bruises from their ever continuing kicking you and discovering their new legs). Memorize those kicks and punches. They are special and they are wonderful. Enjoy them.

Don't worry about stretch marks. Don't stress about getting back to "pre-baby" weight. Enjoy what your body is doing. Don't wish the time away. Those last few weeks of pregnancy are precious. They are filled with anticipation and wonder, along with a bundle of nerves. Your life is never going to be the same. It is about to change for the better. Do you remember the Grinch and how his heart grew 2 sizes in one day? That will be your heart. You will hold your precious little one, and though you've already grown to love them, the instant they place that beautiful baby in your arms, your heart will grown exponentially.

Enjoy the last few weeks with your significant other. Love each other and dream about what is to come. Take those nesting instincts and run with them! It will be hard to get much done when the baby gets here. But that's okay.

And in case you forgot...You are beautiful. Cankles and all. You are so incredibly beautiful. I hope and pray you never forget that. You are beautiful.

Love,
Alli

Mommies of Daughters

I'll admit, I worry about my daughter in later life. I worry about the way people will treat her, the hurt she will feel, and the pressures that "friends" will put onto her. I remember what it was like to be a teenager. It wasn't easy.

Yes, I realize I have a while before I really have to worry about it all. I always go back to Matthew 6:24-34 when I begin worrying about things...

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

It's a hard concept for me to understand. I worry about things. I just do, even though I know I shouldn't.

One thing I worry about is teaching my daughter about modesty. Something I definitely struggled with when I was younger. I wanted the boys to "notice me" but I went about it for all the wrong reasons.

There's a new video floating around FaceBook that I thought I would share about modesty and bathing suits. I will tell you this Mama now proudly wears a really cute one piece (thanks Keira), but this is one thing I wish I had heard when I was in middle or high school.

It's food for thought.

Do any other mommies of daughters out there worry about this too?

Ramblings from a New Mom

A while ago I wrote this guest post. I don't know how many of you were able to see it, so I'm sharing it with you now :)

Going from this

to this

in the matter of nine months takes a lot more work than originally thought.

Or rather, than I originally thought.

But this is the best kind of work I could possibly imagine.

It's hard to believe that a little over six weeks ago we brought our daughter home. In a way, it feels as if she's been with our family for years, and in another, it still feels surreal, like she's just hear temporarily. However, I can say that during these past six weeks, I've fully been initiated into motherhood...

My boobs have doubled in size and are now leaking like crazy. I can just hear a baby cry or see a full baby bottle and oops, I sprung a leak. Heck, I'm starting to leak right now just thinking about it...For those of you who are leaky like me, I fully recommend Lansinoh's breast pads. They are lifesavers! But I wouldn't trade the leaky boobs for the world. It means that I get to nourish and feed my daughter, something that I have come to treasure.

To go along with the leaky boobs, I constantly smell like soured milk. From her messy eating and my constant leakiness, the smells just compound. I'm surprised the hubs hasn't run far, far away or made more comments about it. I guess he is a smart man. No matter the number of showers I take, the smell just comes right back. But again, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Then there's the spit up. I don't know about everyone else with kids, but my daughter spits up and the most random and ill-opportune times. And it's not anywhere near a time when she last ate! Say she eats at 2 and won't eat again for another couple of hours, I burp her when she's done feeding and think "the coast is clear."  I either continue to hold her, put her in her swing, or lay her on her play mat. Sometimes she falls asleep, but more recently, she's staying awake. She seems to be doing just fine playing and then all of a sudden, hello spit up. This is around an hour or hour and a half after she's last eating! And it's not like I've moved her or anything, she just decides to keep me on my toes when it comes to this sort of thing. Now, because her spitting up comes out of the blue, I have been doused numerous times. Just the other night, for example, I was getting her ready for bed and as I was walking into my bedroom to feed her she let it all out and down my shirt it went. I admit, she does have some pretty good aim. Getting spit up on, of course, just adds to the smell. But I wouldn't trade it for the world.

And of course, there's everyone's favorite: getting pooped on. That moment when the diaper can either hold no more or the force of the blowout is just too much for the diaper to handle and you just get covered. Let's just say I'm used to this by now and it just comes with the territory. When I hear it coming, I know longer flinch. I just accept my fate and try to minimize the damage as much as possible. I mean, better it to be me than our dry clean only duvet cover (she got that too once, needless to say, we're on the hunt for a new duvet cover that isn't dry clean only). But I wouldn't trade it for the world.

There's so much that comes with being a new mom. So many new experiences. Who would have thought that I would be okay with breastfeeding out in public? A year ago I would have laughed at the thought. But now I don't hesitate to feed her. I may still cover myself, but I don't go lock myself in a bathroom (not that there's anything wrong with that...I just choose not to). I remember the hubs telling me that diaper changing was going to be my job and that he was staying away from poopy diapers. When she was born, he volunteered to change the first one! You know, the one with all the tar-like poop. Yeah, I was shocked. And now it's not a big deal for him to change a diaper. 

We're still getting into the hang of this whole being parents thing, and yes there are a lot of "dirties" that come with the job. But they all are outweighed by the smiles I get and the cuddles and the overwhelming love that we share. I love being a member of the mommy club and I fully accept my role as mommy. In fact, I wouldn't trade that role for all the diamonds and money in the world.

May is for Moms

Today I'm linking up with Amy @ Not Your Average Crazy for her series "May is for Moms." Today is all about an interview with myself...

An Interview with Myself

1. Before you ever even had children, how did you feel about being a mother?

Now, my mom will tell you otherwise, but as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a mother. I think where we get our lines crossed is what I wanted to do before I had kids. I knew I wanted to travel, but when I was ready to settle down, I wanted kids. How many kids? I would be okay with 6 or more (I want a big family), but my husband and I are talking about 4. We'll see though and we'll be happy with however many God grants us!

2. Since becoming a mother, what is something that has happened that you never thought would?

I knew I would feel an immense amount of love for my little girl, but I never imagined just how much love I would fill. I look at her and my heart just soars. It is an amazing feeling. Also, I never knew I had such instincts. That I could look at her and know (most of the time) what she needs or how to handle the situation.  I knew to expect the being peed on and being pooped on. That didn't come as a shocker at all. Haha

3. Is being a mother less difficult, more difficult or exactly how difficult you imagined?

I don't know if I ever truly imagined what motherhood would exactly entail. I don't want to say it's not difficult, it is, but being a mother is the most natural thing I've ever done.

4. What is your fondest memory of being a mother (so far)?

Fondest memory...That one's hard. There's nothing like holding your child for the first time. But then there's her first real smile, or any smile. And now she's cooing up a storm. I honestly love every moment with my little one. It's been truly a joy to have her in my life.

5. If your children only learn one life lesson from you, what do you hope it is?

The one thing I want my daughter to learn is how much God loves her. That He sent His only Son to die for her and that He wants her to have everlasting life with Him. It is so important to me that she knows this, anything else falls by the wayside as long as she learns how much He loves her.

The Quiet -- Also Known As: Alli Rambles

Bug is asleep. She actually didn't fight going to sleep tonight. Just a short bicker, but it was settled quickly. Now I'm sitting here, listening to the Braves game (Go Braves!) and looking for things for the house. 

Aren't these curtains from Target amazing?!

Is it crazy that I miss my girl right now? She's quietly sleeping in her crib just down the hallway, but I still miss her. I like her to be in my sight so I can just look over and we can share smiles. I know this is silly. I can't have her by my side 24/7 for her entire life...But I can't help but miss her when she's not with me. 

This whole being a mom thing is a new thing. A wonderful thing. It's during these quiet times that I can reflect on the wonderful thing that is being a mother (have I used the word thing too much?). I'm loving being a mother, especially a mom that gets to stay at home. I love getting to experience every day with my girl. Every day is a new day filled with new experiences for her. I love watching her discover new things. She is so close to finding her feet! I love seeing her face light up and hearing her coo. I even love her sad and pitiful faces! She seriously has the cutest sad face you've ever seen! And her pouty lip stretches for miles! It's just adorable. Then again, I am biased. 

I just love being a mommy and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

The One Where My Dreams Come True

Well, it's official

I'm now a stay-at-home-mommy!

When the hubs and I started dated we did the usual "family talk." The first thing I said is that I wanted to stay at home and raise our kids. My mother did it and I loved that growing up. I wanted the same thing for my kids.

And now I have joined the league of women that is comprised of stay-at-home-mommies!

Bug and I on my first official day as a stay-at-home-mom. 

It took a lot of prayer and a lot of God. Okay. It took a ton of God. All God. We've been working for the past year to trim down expenses and the hubs has been trying to take on extra work so he can make up my salary. He was almost there when Bug came into the world, but we weren't there just yet. We had 12 weeks  to see if I had to go back to work for the end of the school year. I honestly didn't want to. I couldn't even fathom leaving my little girl with someone else, even if it were family members and only for 6 weeks. The thought killed me. I didn't want to miss her first giggle or the first time she rolled over. I couldn't bear it.

Two weeks ago, another job came open. It was honestly all God. He was orchestrating everything to give us that extra push to get me home. I'm crying write now as I think about how He worked to make my dreams come true. 

It's not easy being home though. Now the hubs is bearing the entire financial burden. He has to provide for us. But, as he's told me multiple times, he wouldn't have it any other way. He wanted me home with our girl as much as I wanted to be home. Yes, he's working 14+ hours a day and yes it's hard on us...but it's worth it. And we fully believe God is orchestrating a way for the hubs to be able to spend more time with us. God has already made it to where the hubs gets to be home with us on the weekend! 

To help out, we've switched to cloth diapers in hopes of saving money on that. Also, we've limited our driving to one car. This saves money on gas for us. I do get the car once a week to make a grocery run or run other errands. And if there's a pinch, my mom comes by after work and watches Bug while I borrow her car. So far it's worked out great and saved us a lot of money. I'm thinking about couponing as well (any couponers out there with any advice?) to help with grocery costs. We've also refinanced our house, that's where we're getting money for the renovations, to help reduce our monthly payments. 

Being a stay-at-home-mommy means that we won't ever have nice things. We don't have cable TV, we don't have nice cars, we don't go out to eat, we don't have all the luxuries, but it is all worth it. To both of us. We feel it is important for me to be home. We feel that God is calling me to be home. Even though it's going to be tough, we know that God is going to provide for us as long as we listen to Him and follow where He leads us. 

And now for cuteness:

Oh Baby!

Today I'm over at Homegrown and Healthy writing for their two weeks of Everything Baby series. I wrote about my initiation into Motherhood...They are also having a giveaway for some awesome things Baby! There are lots of prizes for our readers...Maybe one of you will win ;) I sure do hope so!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

1 Month!

Dear Baby Girl,

It's hard to believe you're already a month old! I'm loving every minute of this stage of your life! You're such a precious gift and I fall more in love with you every day (if that's even possible). You love to cuddle and be held. In fact, one night this past week you woke up screaming, but the instant I had you in my arms you went straight back to sleep. So you joined us in bed for a few hours. It was so sweet to have you cuddled up next to me. I just love it! 

You went through your first growth spurt and through us all for a loop. We had you on such a great schedule, and then you up and decided to change it on us. Oh well. You're definitely keeping us on our toes. I love discovering life with you. Your coos and "talking" are just precious! You're really developing those lungs. 

We started you off on tummy time, and I don't think you know what to do with yourself. You'll stay there for a minute just as happy as can be talking up a storm, and then the next minute you're done. It's precious.

Things you love:

Mommy

Daddy

Eating

Your swing

Your Rock n Play

Your mat

Eating

Daddy

Mommy

Daddy and I just love you, Baby Girl and we're so excited about watching you grow up and learn new things! Just don't grow up too fast okay?

Love, Mommy

You mean I get to keep her?!

This whole being a mom thing is surreal. You start preparing for mommyhood when you start talking about getting pregnant. Then the instant you get pregnant, preparation kicks in hardcore. You have nine months to really get it in your head that you are going to be a mom! It should sink in then...that in nine months (give or take a few days/weeks) you are going to be responsible for a little person.

At least that's supposed to be how it is...right? You're given nine months to prepare for the change...

But how do you prepare for the change? 

I knew it was coming. I had nine months to prepare. So why does it all still seem so surreal. Ever since we brought Baby Girl home, I feel like it's only temporary. I feel like I'm babysitting someone else's child and that eventually I'm going to have to give her back. This feeling seems to be the strongest at night. Whenever we both wake up for a feeding, I feel like I'm in some sort of dream. That the little girl in my arms that I love so much isn't mine. 

Of course, I know this isn't true. There's no denying this little one. She's definitely mine, and I'll always claim her. I guess I'm still adjusting to this little person being here. And you know what, I think this feeling is okay. I think it's normal. At least that's what I'm telling myself to make me feel better...

Do any of you other first time mommies feel the same way? Or those that remember being a first time mommy, did you ever feel like this?

 

See, there's no denying this sweet face...she has my eyes and the hubs's everything else. I mean, she is our child! And I'm happy to keep her ever day ending in "y"!

(the first picture is of me as a newborn and the second is of the hubs)

A Birth Story

January 14th came and went. Baby Girl's due date. I woke up like every other morning, got dressed, and went to work. It's a good thing I did too, because there was a lot that I needed to get done. Of course, going to work on your due date comes with a lot of comments. I kept getting "You're still here?" and "When's your due date?" I just laughed at it all and walked around a lot. I was determined to get this baby here ASAP. I got home and had contractions here and there, but every time I thought something was getting started they just died down and disappeared. I was a little disappointed, I didn't really want to go to work the next day. But of course, that's what was in the cards.

January 15th comes around. I had a doctor's appointment at the end of the day. So I left work early, yes I was still at work, and went in for a check up. I finally let them check me and I was at 3 centimeters dilated. Progress! They also hooked me up to a monitor to check to see how Baby Girl was handling things. Everything seemed perfect. I was having contractions, and Baby Girl was doing just fine. They decided to strip my membranes in order to hopefully get something started, they also scheduled me an ultrasound for the 17th. You see, I was measuring 43 weeks at 40 weeks. A little big. So we scheduled it for Thursday morning so the hubs could go with me. Mom met me at the doctor's office and we decided to head to the mall to get things going even more. Still nothing happened...

January 16th was pretty much the same...I went to work, walked around, and told everyone "Hopefully I won't see y'all tomorrow." I had taken a half day already for the doctor's appointment, and I was kinda hoping they'd just tell me to head straight to the hospital.

The morning of January 17th comes and the hubs and I get ready to go and see the doctor. I suggest grabbing the bag just in case they send us on ahead, but the hubs said no. His logic was we can always stop by the house on the way to the hospital. So I agree and we head to go and see how our baby girl is fairing. We get there and I'm starting to get nervous. I just want to go to the hospital and have this baby! We get called back to the ultrasound room and get ready to see how big this baby girl really is. Turns out, she's perfect size, nothing to worry about in that sense...but we had another problem, her fluids were really low. The lowest fluids can get is 7, and that's where they were. The ultrasound tech said we would most likely be induced today...Okay, we say and we're walked to go meet with the doctor. She walks in and immediately says those magic words, "Head to the hospital." She didn't even check me, all she said was "I'll see you again in a little bit." I wasn't planning on being induced, but that's what baby needed and that was okay. I was ready to get baby girl here.

So the hubs and I head home to pick up the hospital bag and I grabbed something quick to eat. I knew I probably wouldn't get anything to eat once I got to the hospital. I called my mom to tell her the news. She then sent out the word to family. Next was to call work and tell them I wouldn't be coming in that day, or for the next 12 weeks for that matter.

We get to the hospital and check in. Mom beat us there and had already been up to the room to pray over it.  It was perfect and I'm very thankful she got there before us to pray. There was a certain peace when we got there. They started me off on the lowest level of pitocin and my doctor came in to break my water (such a weird feeling!) and check me. I had already progressed to a 4 from when they last checked me. Progress! This was around 12:30.

Contractions started to pick up. It was kind of fun to watch them peak. Is that weird? We passed time by watching TV. I can't really remember what we watched. I do remember that the hubs tried to show me a youtube video during the middle of a contraction. I didn't really appreciate it at the moment.

Here's the video, to give him credit, it is actually quite hilarious...I just had to watch it again after the  contractions were over.

Soon the contractions got really intense. I asked for some Demerol to help me out. I was able to take a little "nap". I say nap, really I just laid there with my eyes closed and breathed deeply. When I woke up I called the hubs over to talk about an epidural. I said I would go as long as I could without one and I felt that I had reached that point. Not only was I having contractions, but I was throwing up. I couldn't handle both. Epidural it was. So the anesthesiologist came and got me some medicine. But it didn't take fully. I felt everything on my left side.

Before I knew it, I was at 10 centimeters and it was time to start pushing.My little girl was here at 8:31pm. I was in labor for 7 hours and pushed for 1 hour. Clearly my little girl was ready to be here, she just needed a little push. I do feel like if we had waited one more day she would have decided to come on her own, but we did what was needed and I wouldn't change a thing! My baby girl is here and she's perfect. 

I did tear, and there was a little meconium in the water, so it was another hour before I got to hold her. That about killed me. I wanted my little girl in my arms! But I had to get stitched up and she needed to be cleaned up and checked. After we were both deemed presentable, she was in my arms and nursing. It was perfect.

Bibi and Papi (my parents) and Grammy and Dedu (the hubs's parents) all came in to meet our little angel. It was such a sweet moment.

I'm just so happy to have my little girl here and I'm loving every moment with her!

Two Weeks

Today my precious angel is two weeks old. It's hard to believe how big she has gotten! I'm doing my best to keep her little as long as possible, but nothing seems to be working! She's only two weeks old and is already outgrowing her newborn clothes! What is that? Isn't she supposed to wear her newborn clothes for at least a month? I mean, she's still a newborn! But lo and behold, I don't think my precious baby girl is going to be in her newborn clothes very long. 

We had her 2 week check up this morning, and Baby Girl is a chunk! If you recall, her birth weight was 8 lbs 2 oz. Then, at her check up 4 days after she was born, she dropped to 7 lbs 12.5 oz. Well, we went to weigh her today and she now weighs a whopping 9 lbs 1 ounce! She gained over a pound in a week and a half! Who does that? And no wonder she won't be fitting into her newborn clothes for very long. At least she's a cute little chunk. 

I'm obsessed with her little hands!

Such a sweet little sleeper...when she wants to be.

Exhausted after our first Sunday at church. Everyone was so excited to meet Baby Girl!

We survived our first bad weather here in Georgia. I hate tornadoes, but they didn't seem to bother Baby Girl at all. We just hung out listening for the sirens and when they went off we headed to the basement where we hung out there for an hour watching tv on my computer.

"This is my grumpy face."

She had her first bath this past week as well. You can't tell from this picture, but she was actually quite content. I think the warm water soothed her. She just sat back and enjoyed it. And let me tell you, our bath that we use for her...It's amazing! It's the Fisher-Price Calming Waters Vibrating Tub and it she fits in it perfectly. 

These past couple of weeks have been an adventure. She's been happy and content one day and then the next she doesn't want to be put down. But never-the-less, I love being a mommy. It's a great adventure and I'm so glad to be on it!

Welcome to the world

Johanna Mary 

Born 17 January 2013 at 8:31 pm

8 lbs 2 oz 20 in 

 ^"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights"

- James 1:17

Merry Christmas and 37 Week Update!

(our internet has been spotty over the past few days and things have been crazy with the holidays, but better late than never...)

It's hard to believe that next year we will be a family of three celebrating Christmas. It's quite unreal, actually. But we couldn't be more excited!

We're ready for Baby Girl to be here and can't wait to meet her! Now to spend the next week of vacation cleaning and organizing and getting ready for our newest member to join us!

(my 37 week, Christmas day bump)

How far along: 37 weeks! She's full term!

Trimester: Third and final trimester!!!!! 

Baby size: Watermelon - somewhere between 19 and 22 inches, over 7 lbs possibly...I'm guessing right now. Haha

Toes: What toes? I have toes?!

Gender: BABY GIRL!

Movement: This girl still loves to move! Now it feels like my stomach is being kneaded on the inside. She is constantly on the move!

Cravings: Anything sweet and peppermint, but I guess it has to do with the season

Aversions: I tried chicken again...I nearly threw up. It was horrible. No thank you.

Nausea/Morning sickness: No more! Just tired now, and constantly out of breath. Round ligament pain, itchy and stretchy skin, heartburn, acid re-flux, some slight dizziness, and hip and back pain, but nothing to complain about :) Also, I'm beginning to experience Braxton Hicks contractions, which are getting more and more frequent.

Maternity clothes: Yes...however, I'm getting to the point where nothing fits, only my leggings. It's nice that I'm on break right now and don't really have to get dressed for any particular reason. So right now I'm living in the hubs's pajama pants.

Best moment of the week: Christmas was so special this year. It was our last one as a family of two. We got to enjoy each other and dream about what Christmas will be like next year.

What I'm looking forward to: This girl getting here! Her due date is 2 and a half weeks away and I'm anxious for her arrival! 

Birth Plans and Hospital Bags

I'm getting to the point where I should be getting things in order for "the big day." Less that 5 weeks until her due date, and all we have is the car seat in the car. I don't have a single bag packed, for myself or for the baby. I had lists made up, in fact, I had the list made up about a month ago, but that was about it. Here is what I have for my list:

Packing for the Baby:

• Swaddle blankets/baby blanket
• Going home outfit
• Mittens
• Nail clippers
• Vaseline
• 3 outfits (newborn and 0-3 months)
• Wipes
• Nasal aspirator
• Newborn Diapers
• Socks
• Hat

That's the list I've come up with for baby girl's bag. After our hospital tour, I've come up with a new list. The items I've crossed off are the ones that the hospital said they provided. They also provide diapers, mittens, and socks, but I decided to bring those anyway. *Baby girl's bag is officially packed and ready to go!*

Packing for Mom:

• Robe
• Slippers/flip flops
• Non-skid socks
• Camera/Camera charger
• Boppy
• Shampoo/toothbrush/toothpaste/deodorant (travel size)
• iPhone/iPhone charger
• Chapstick
• Nursing tank tops/outfits
• Snacks for Daddy
• Going home outfit
• Towels
• Pillow
• Lanolin cream
• Chocolate
• Granny panties
• Sports bras/nursing bras
• Baggy pajamas
• Tennis ball
• Laptop (maybe)
• Change for vending machines
• Pads
• Additional tote for freebies
• Cookies for nurses

This is the list for me. Too much? Probably. But as the Boy Scout saying goes: "Always be prepared." Plus, my husband is a big fan of over packing. I just think that I'd rather have everything there with me, so that I have it just in case. My bag is not packed though, nor is it close to being packed. I need to get on that though...I've been cramping a lot today, which just means we're one step closer to her being here!

source

Speaking of her getting here, people have constantly asked me about my birthing plan. All the websites and books say to make one and write it down. To "be specific" about what you want and then to have multiple copies so that everyone dealing with your delivery will know and honor your birthing plan. I've put a lot of prayer and thought into my own personal birthing plan. In the end, this is what I came up with:

Birthing Plan

•  Have a healthy baby

That's it. That's the extent of my birth plan. I would like to be able to have a natural childbirth, but seeing as I've never had a child before, I don't know how my body is going to react. I have faith that God created and equipped my body for childbirth, and that's what I'm relying on. But I'm not set on having a drug-free labor and delivery. If it's better for me and the baby, then I will have the drugs. I just want my baby here and healthy. Like I said, I would love to have a natural childbirth, and for now that is the plan...but I will do whatever it takes to get my baby here safe and sound.